Joseph James Mulligan

Joseph James Mulligan, 82, of Sparta, formerly of Staten Island, NY passed away on May 25, 2017. Joe was born in Bay Ridge Brooklyn and raised his family in Staten Island before moving to Sparta 7 years ago while maintaining a summer residence in Lake Mohawk for 40 years. He was a proud member of the United States Marines serving from 1952-1955. Joe joined the New York City Police Department in 1956 and retired as a Detective third grade in 1979. He was very proud of his service in the Bomb Squad and as one of the original members Hostage Negotiation Team. He worked on some very noteworthy cases involving domestic terrorist groups such as the Weather Underground and FALN involving bombings in Greenwich Village, Fraunces Tavern, and LaGuardia Airport. Joseph is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Grace Scarpa Mulligan; beloved father of Joseph Mulligan and his wife Katherine; Mary Jane Jacobs and her husband John; Kathleen O’Leary and her husband Kevin; Patrick Mulligan and his wife Terry; James Mulligan; Rosemary O’Grady and her husband Harry; Eileen Sullivan and her husband Daniel; and Terrence Mulligan and his wife Meredith; grandfather of: Thomas Mulligan, Brendan Mulligan, Sheila Mulligan, Maggie Hanlon, Joseph Hanlon, Devin Jacobs, Maura Cate Jacobs, Matthew Jacobs, Caitlin O’Leary, Erinn O’Leary, Meghan O’Leary, Conor O’Leary, Daniel Mulligan, Brianne Mulligan, Lauren Mulligan, Jillian O’Grady, Tara O’Grady, Haley Rose O’Grady, Brendan O’Grady, Kerry Sullivan, Ellie Mulligan, Serena Mulligan and Charlie Mulligan. Also survived by his brother-in-law Robert and his wife Alexis and his sister-in-law Nancy and many loving nieces and nephews. Joseph was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Margaret Mulligan; sister Maureen and brother Thomas. Friends may call Sunday, May 28, 2017 from 2-5 and 7-9pm at the Goble Funeral Home 22 Main St, Sparta, NJ 07871. A funeral mass will be held 10am Monday at Our Lady of the Lake Church, 294 Sparta Ave, Sparta, New Jersey 07871.